Rating
Wonderful! Wonderful wonderful!.Bucolic bliss looking out the glass panel doors in the morning I saw hydrangea roses, wisteria and scattered in the distance. All sorts of fruit trees. An animal lover's heaven with two friendly, cute cats and two goats. And Manuela the landlord was wonderful. Wonderful! Wonderful patient, kind and fun
Neighborhood
I guess this is real Portugal. Some of the buildings are older but friendly. Kind people and some buildings are beautiful or homes are beautiful and wonderful gardens filled with roses and many with extensive vegetables
Recommended places nearby
QB restaurant had a wonderful prom dish
Mary Y.
Manuela went above and beyond in accommodating my stay. I’m so grateful I stayed here. It felt like a real sanctuary. I already miss her cats, one in particular that gives the best massages. And the forest that instantly balances you out and reminds you what’s important. O.K., I’ll stop being sentimental. If you’re looking for refuge, look no further. :’)
Neighborhood
Quiet
Recommended places nearby
Cute cafe with grocery store attached
Megan A.
Manuela is the most wonderful host. She is so incredibly generous, kind, patient, and accommodating. I felt so welcome in her home before I ever even arrived, and then somehow even more so once I finally did. We've shared meals, laughs, & great conversation, and she's been amazing for giving tours of the coolest spots & events in the area, and even just with helping to get around, in general. She has a gorgeous, peaceful home on truly beautiful land that she works so hard to take care of. She genuinely creates a safe, healing space. This was an incredible first place to land in my transition into Portugal, and I feel so blessed for the sanctuary and friendship I've found with Manuela. I could not be more grateful for my time here.
Neighborhood
Very small village, but there's a lovely little combination cafe & shop for your basic needs. The town of Lousã is about an hour walk or a roughly ten minute drive, and there's plenty to choose from there (a Lidl and Continente included, and a great little cafe called Meeples). Coimbra is accessible by about a 35 minute bus ride, but the bus system can be a little tricky the first time! (Transdev.pt has most of the information you need.)
Recommended places nearby
Definitely Meeples in Lousã! But there are a bunch of great little shops for some fun shopping, too. The town sits at the base of the mountains that lead up to a ton of amazing outdoor exploration opportunities and stunning old stone villages and other attractions. And Coimbra is an attraction, in itself! Day trips are super fun to wander & explore, but it definitely takes more than one to really get a taste of the beautiful town.
And even here in Foz de Arouce, there is the Momo Circus museum, where they have GREAT performances and shows (not necessarily all circus, wonderful music as well). That should not be missed, it's an absolute gem, and so unique to this village.
Cate F.
The owner of the house Manuela is a very nice person and her house is wonerful place for people who want to enjoy nature, fresh air, beautiful landscapes, mountains and swimmimg in the localriver. I recommend this place to people who want inspiration for activity or just rest from big city life, Casa de Libelinhas, House of dragonflies.
Neighborhood
This is really small nice village 40 minutes from Coimbra where you can live quetly, have a walk in the forest, swim in the river, cook your meals, read a book in the garden, do yoga. It would be great place for people who enjoy silence and being close to nature.
Recommended places nearby
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Svitlana P.
Manuela is kind, helpful, and makes you feel right at home. She has been such a wonderful person to meet on my journey and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to stay in her gorgeous home and get to know her.
I booked the green room and loved waking up every morning to the birds singing and the peacefulness of the property. The cats and goats are a blessing and loved being in their energy. This space is is more remote which I prefer, but you can walk or take a taxi to Lousa or take the bus to Coimbra, and from there head off on an adventure. I have really loved being in this space and in Manuela's home. I highly recommend her and her sanctuary for anyone looking for a quiet space or for inner reflection.
Neighborhood
It's quiet and remote, so not much going on. But the people around are very friendly
Kortney O.
Manuela is a lovely host! It was an amazingly peaceful experience to live with her and her 3 cats. Yeah, the 3 cats are definitely a big part of the household :)
Definitely recommended for people who enjoy nature, quietness, calmness and good company.
Neighborhood
Calm village life
Recommended places nearby
The local shop has all the basics and the owner is very friendly :)
Maxim V.